Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Assessing the market potential of specialty forest products in local food systems

Project ID: 2004-M8

Abstract

Non-timber specialty forest products show potential for farmers hoping to diversify their operations. This project and survey evaluated the interest in and obstacles to the production and marketing of these crops.

Key Question: Is there a viable market for specialty forest products in Iowa?

Findings: Yes. Nut producers have been successfully marketing to restaurants and health food stores or directly to consumers for several years. Producers of other specialty forest products, such as berries or woody decorative florals, currently tend to sell their products to retail florists or directly to consumers through on-farm sales or at farmers markets. These are definitely niche crops, but for producers willing to invest time in marketing, there seems to be plenty of demand in the market place.

Lead investigator: Carole Teator, Trees Forever

Year of grant completion: 2005

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Agroforestry, Fruit and vegetables, Market research and feasibility studies